Justice Department directs prosecutors to probe local efforts to obstruct immigration enforcement

The Justice Department has instructed its federal prosecutors to look into any state or local authorities who obstruct the enforcement of immigration laws under the Trump administration. This directive was outlined in a memo obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove authored the memo, which also tasks the Justice Department’s civil division with identifying state and local laws that could hinder the administration’s immigration efforts and potentially challenging them legally.

The memo emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the public and securing the American border by deporting illegal immigrants and prosecuting them for any crimes committed within the U.S. It specifically calls for investigations into cases where state or local officials obstruct federal functions, potentially leading to criminal charges.

“Federal law prohibits state and local actors from resisting, obstructing and otherwise failing to comply with lawful immigration-related commands and requests,” the memo says. “The U.S. Attorney’s Offices and litigating components of the Department of Justice shall investigate incidents involving any such misconduct for potential prosecution.”

The three-page memo signals an immediate and sharp turnabout in priorities from President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration, with prosecutors told in no uncertain terms that they will be on the front lines of an administration-wide effort to crack down on illegal immigration and border crime and that they are expected to carry out the policy vision of President Donald Trump’s Republican White House when it comes to violent crimes, the threat of transnational gangs and drug trafficking.

“Indeed, it is the responsibility of the Justice Department to defend the Constitution, and accordingly, to lawfully execute the policies that the American people elected President Trump to implement,” Bove wrote in the memo obtained by the AP.

“The Justice Department’s responsibility, proudly shouldered by each of its employees, includes aggressive enforcement of laws enacted by Congress, as well as vigorous defense of the President’s actions on behalf of the United States against legal challenges,” Bove added. “The Department’s personnel must come together in the offices that taxpayers have funded to do this important work.”

The memo also says the department will return to the principle of charging defendants with the most serious crime it can prove, a staple position of Republican-led departments meant to remove a prosecutor’s discretion to charge a lower-level offense.

“The most serious charges are those punishable by death where applicable, and offenses with the most significant mandatory minimum sentences,” Bove wrote.

It is common for Justice Departments to shift enforcement priorities under a new presidential administration in compliance with White House policy ambitions. The memo reflects the constant push-and-pull between Democratic and Republican administrations over how best to commit resources to what officials regard as the most urgent threat of the time.

The edict to charge the most readily provable offense, for instance, is consistent with directives from prior Republican attorneys general including John Ashcroft and Jeff Sessions, while Democratic attorneys general including Eric Holder and Merrick Garland have replaced the policy and instead encouraged prosecutorial discretion.

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
Did the Mouse Just Blink? Disney Reportedly Drops Two DEI Programs As Investor Backlash Grows

Disney Reportedly Cancels Two DEI Programs Amid Rising Investor Criticism

While selecting the main image for this article, I pondered about Walt…
Pampered pups strut into NYC for the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show: photos

“Adorable Dogs Take Center Stage at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in NYC: See the Photos”

Over 3,000 dogs from across the country and around the globe descend…
Hegseth says Fort Bragg is coming back, but with a twist

Hegseth claims that Fort Bragg will return with a new approach

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday directed the U.S. Army to change…
Andrew Tate, brother Tristan sued for allegedly sex trafficking American woman to foreign country

Andrew Tate’s brother Tristan facing lawsuit for allegedly trafficking American woman for sex in another country

A woman from the United States is taking legal action against Andrew…
President Trump Touts 'Significant Steps' Toward Ending War Ahead of Putin Meeting

President Trump praises progress towards ending war before meeting with Putin.

Last Updated on February 10, 2025 On Friday, President Donald Trump said…
Busted! DOGE Ends USAID's "Wasteful" $8 Million Subsidizing of Left-Wing News Outlet, Politico

Exposed! DOGE Stops USAID from Spending $8 Million on Biased News Outlet, Politico

Last Updated on February 10, 2025 The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)…
At least one dead after jet crashes into another plane at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona

One person killed in plane collision at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona.

At least one person is dead after a plane crashed at Scottsdale…
Making the Liberal Media Cry: Trump’s Approval Ratings Are In

UPDATED: Trump Takes Action Against FEMA Workers Who Broke His Order and Gave $59 Million to Undocumented Immigrants in New York City

Four officials from the Department of Homeland Security working at the Federal…
New Jersey driver awarded $13M after state troopers mistakenly believed her stroke was sign of intoxication

New Jersey Driver Wins $13 Million Settlement Following Misunderstanding of Stroke as Intoxication

A driver from New Jersey received an almost $13 million settlement after…
Judge Joseph Laplante becomes 3rd to block Trump executive order ending birthright citizenship for kids of people in US illegally

Judge Joseph Laplante becomes the third person to put a stop to the executive order from Trump that aimed to remove birthright citizenship for children born to illegal immigrants in the United States.

CONCORD, N.H. — A third federal judge on Monday blocked President Donald…
Israel slams Palestinian 'deception scheme' over claim it halted terror rewards program

Israel criticizes Palestinians for alleged deceit in ending program that rewards terrorists

JERUSALEM—The president of the Palestinian Authority (PA) has reportedly given in to…
Meghan Markle is 'lowering her status' to make Prince Harry look like a 'hero' with her 'limpet cling' shoulder nuzzles and arm hugs at Invictus Games, body language expert claims

“Body Language Expert Analyzes Meghan Markle’s Supportive Gestures at Invictus Games”

Meghan Markle knows that when she steps out in public, the world’s…